Guide to Living in Sarasota, FL

Updated: March 1, 2024

In the hot Florida housing market, Sarasota is a jewel. This vibrant coastal town offers a blend of outdoor activities, shopping, fine dining, and cultural events to keep you busy and entertained year-round. What is it really like when you’re living in Sarasota? At Candy Swick & Company, we know and love Sarasota, and we’d love to share more about it with you. Here are just a few of the things that make Sarasota special.

The Beauty of Sarasota

When it comes to natural beauty, Sarasota is exceptional. Set on the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where the weather is reliably sunny and warm, and our beaches are abundant. Explore local favorites, such as the #1 rated Beach in the USA Siesta Key, which is known for its soft white sugar sands and beautiful views. Longboat Key or Lido Beach are other top picks, and neither is too far from downtown Sarasota.

Naturally, with miles of oceanside wonders to explore, there is also a huge variety of wildlife to enjoy. You can see marine life, such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds. To get a closer look and learn more about local wildlife, check out the MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Enjoy the Benefits of Life in Sarasota

Of course, since there are so many warm, sunny days to enjoy, there are also outdoor activities to explore all year long. You’ll find music festivals, art shows, farmer’s markets, seafood festivals, sports events, and more to keep you busy and engaged. There are both fine dining and relaxed downtown or beachfront cafes to choose from, as well as high-end boutique shopping to enjoy.

Although it’s a vibrant, active area, Sarasota has a quaint small-town feel, so you can skip the headaches of trying to navigate a large metropolis. But if you’re looking for a big-city experience that can’t be found here, you’re close to Tampa or St. Petersburg. Within an hour’s drive, you can be immersed in the bustle of the big city, knowing that the relaxed beachside vibe of Sarasota waits for you nearby.

The Real Estate Market in Sarasota, Florida

The market in Sarasota is hot, with many people recognizing what a gem this coastal town is. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find a value that you’ll love here. The trick is to partner with an insider who can help you navigate this exceptional area. To find your place in Sarasota, it’s vital that you work with a real estate professional who knows this town and is familiar with what the different neighborhoods have to offer.

Do you want to enjoy a neighborhood with easy access to upscale dining and shopping? You might be happy in a condominium in downtown Sarasota. On the other hand, you may be more interested in settling into one of our master-planned communities, such as Lakewood Ranch. Each neighborhood has its own flavor and amenities, so knowing which one will suit you best is vital to a successful search.

If you’re interested in selling or buying a home in Sarasota, the experts at Candy Swick & Company have the knowledge you need to get what you want in this active real estate market. We pride ourselves on our deep knowledge and understanding of the area, so we are confident that we can help you find what you’re looking for.

The Education Landscape of Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota County Public Schools are widely considered to provide a great education. They’re highly rated, and they offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, ranging from sports to arts. However, the average per-pupil spending for the district is $11,700, which is slightly below the national average.

Higher education in the area is similarly affordable. Students taking upper-division courses at a local public college pay an average of $112.08 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $442.08 for out-of-state students. Again, this is below the national average of $456 and $1,177.

Just a few of the colleges you’ll find in the area include the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, New College of Florida, and Ringling College of Art and Design.

Fine Dining to Food Trucks: Sarasota’s Eclectic Food Scene

It’s no surprise that this city, tucked up against sugar sand beaches and the glittering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, has a wide range of excellent seafood to enjoy. But there’s much more delicious food to enjoy.

For exceptional meals at home, take advantage of the many farmer’s markets in the area. The largest one is the Sarasota Farmers Market, which is located in downtown Sarasota. This vibrant market has been taking place for over 35 years, and it includes more than 70 vendors.

The city boasts many high-end dining establishments with award-winning chefs and 21 Zagat-rated restaurants. Alongside the fancy establishments, you can find a wealth of unique dining options, such as Amish and Mennonite restaurants, celebrating the local culture. Food trucks bring a taste of many cultures to this ocean-side city, with Mexican, Greek, Korean, BBQ, seafood, and more.

If you’re still hungry for more food to explore, there are many food festivals to try. Sarasota Restaurant Week happens during the first two weeks in June, with more than 60 participating restaurants. The Food & Corks Food and Wine Festival offers seminars on food and wine along with plenty of generous servings of both.

Sarasota’s Hidden Gems: Fun Activities for Every Interest

Naturally, the beach is a playground for anyone who enjoys that magical mix of sand, sun, and water, but that’s not the only fun to be had in Sarasota.

Take a closer look at what’s going on under the waves at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. You can enjoy interacting with sea life in their touch tanks and learn more through their interactive exhibits.

For art lovers or people who just want to learn something new, you can take part in workshops and art classes at the Art Center Sarasota. You can also enjoy displays of student artwork at the Ringling College Galleries. The Sarasota Art Museum features interesting exhibits, such as Contemporary/Traditional, a showing of international contemporary glass art.

If yoga is your thing, join other enthusiasts for Yoga on the Beach at Siesta Key every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Turn Your Dream of Living in Sarasota, FL into a Reality

Sarasota is a wonderland of things to try and places to play. If it seems that this extraordinary city is calling your name, it’s important to work with people who can help you make that happen.

Finding your dream home in Sarasota is possible with the right experts on your side. Candy Swick & Company has a team of real estate brokers who know the area inside and out and can be trusted to guide you. We have a deep knowledge of Sarasota, and we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Our real estate concierge service will help make every step of the way as easy as possible.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

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